Selective inhibition of the BD2 bromodomain of BET proteins in prostate cancer.

Proteins of the bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) domain family are epigenetic readers that bind acetylated histones through their bromodomains to regulate gene transcription. Dual-bromodomain BET inhibitors (DbBi) that bind with similar affinities to the first (BD1) and second (BD2) bromodomains of BRD2, BRD3, BRD4 and BRDt have displayed modest clinical activity in monotherapy cancer trials. A reduced number of thrombocytes in the blood (thrombocytopenia) as well as symptoms of gastrointestinal toxicity are dose-limiting adverse events for some types of DbBi1-5. Given that similar haematological and gastrointestinal defects were observed after genetic silencing of Brd4 in mice6, the platelet and gastrointestinal toxicities may represent on-target activities associated with BET inhibition. The two individual bromodomains in BET family proteins may have distinct functions7-9 and different cellular phenotypes after pharmacological inhibition of one or both bromodomains have been reported10,11, suggesting that selectively targeting one of the bromodomains may result in a different efficacy and tolerability profile compared with DbBi. Available compounds that are selective to individual domains lack sufficient potency and the pharmacokinetics properties that are required for in vivo efficacy and tolerability assessment10-13. Here we carried out a medicinal chemistry campaign that led to the discovery of ABBV-744, a highly potent and selective inhibitor of the BD2 domain of BET family proteins with drug-like properties. In contrast to the broad range of cell growth inhibition induced by DbBi, the antiproliferative activity of ABBV-744 was largely, but not exclusively, restricted to cell lines of acute myeloid leukaemia and prostate cancer that expressed the full-length androgen receptor (AR). ABBV-744 retained robust activity in prostate cancer xenografts, and showed fewer platelet and gastrointestinal toxicities than the DbBi ABBV-07514. Analyses of RNA expression and chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing revealed that ABBV-744 displaced BRD4 from AR-containing super-enhancers and inhibited AR-dependent transcription, with less impact on global transcription compared with ABBV-075. These results underscore the potential value of selectively targeting the BD2 domain of BET family proteins for cancer therapy.

Rice small secreted peptide, OsRALF26, recognized by FERONIA-like receptor 1 induces immunity in rice and Arabidopsis.

Rapid alkalinization factors (RALFs), belonging to a family of small secreted peptides, have been considered as important signaling molecules in diverse biological processes, including immunity. Current studies on RALF-modulated immunity mainly focus on Arabidopsis, but little is reported in crop plants. The rice immune receptor XA21 confers immunity to the bacterial blight pathogen, Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo). Here, we pursued functional characterization of rice RALF26 (OsRALF26) up-regulated by Xoo during XA21-mediated immune response. When applied exogenously as a recombinant peptide, OsRALF26 induced a series of immune responses, including pathogenesis-related genes (PRs) induction, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and callose deposition in rice and/or Arabidopsis. Transgenic rice and Arabidopsis overexpressing OsRALF26 exhibited significantly enhanced resistance to Xoo and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 (Pst DC3000), respectively. In yeast two-hybrid, pull-down assays, and co-immunoprecipitation analyses, rice FER-like receptor 1 (OsFLR1) was identified as a receptor of OsRALF26. Transient expression of OsFLR1 in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves displayed significantly increased ROS production and callose deposition after OsRALF26 treatment. Together, we propose that OsRALF26 induced by Xoo in an XA21-dependent manner is perceived by OsFLR1 and may play a novel role in the enforcement of XA21-mediated immunity.

Phase I/II trials of human bone marrow-derived clonal mesenchymal stem cells for treatment of adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) play important roles in therapeutic applications by regulating immune responses. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the safety and efficacy of allogenic human bone marrow-derived clonal MSCs (hcMSCs) in subjects with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD). METHODS: The study included a phase I open-label trial followed by a phase II randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that involved 72 subjects with moderate to severe AD. RESULTS: In phase I, intravenous (IV) administration of hcMSCs at two doses (1×106 and 5×105 cells/kg) was safe and well-tolerated in 20 subjects. Since there was no difference between the two dosage groups (P=0.9), it was decided to administer low-dose hcMSCs only for phase II. In phase II, subjects receiving three weekly IV infusions of hcMSCs at 5x105 cells/kg showed a higher proportion of an eczema area and severity index (EASI)-50 response at week 12 compared to the placebo group (P=0.038). The differences between groups in the dermatology life quality index and pruritus numerical-rating scale scores were not statistically significant. Most adverse events were mild or moderate and resolved by the end of the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that hcMSCs treatment resulted in a significantly higher rate of achieving EASI-50 at 12 weeks compared to the control group in subjects with moderate to severe AD. The safety profile of hcMSCs treatment was acceptable. Further larger-scale studies are necessary to confirm these preliminary findings.

Construction of a Synergy Combination Model for Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) and Black Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) Extracts: Enhanced Anticancer Activity against A549 and NCI-H292 Human Lung Cancer Cells.

Extensive research on medicinal herbs for bioactive compounds proposes that they could replace synthetic drugs, reducing side effects and economic burdens. Especially, interest in the synergistic benefits of natural products is increasing, implying that their combined use may enhance therapeutic effectiveness. This study aimed to explore the synergetic effects of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) and black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) extract on lung normal (MRC-5) and cancer (A549 and NCI-H292) cell lines. The turmeric extract (TM) only affected the lung cancer cell lines, but it had no impact on the MRC-5 cell line. On the other hand, the black pepper extract (BP) did not cause any damage to either the lung normal or cancer cell lines, even at concentrations of up to 400 µg/mL. Response surface methodology was used to predict the ideal synergistic concentrations (EC50) of TM and BP, which were found to be 48.5 and 241.7 µg/mL, respectively. Notably, the selected condition resulted in higher cytotoxicity compared to the exposure to TM alone, indicating a potent synergetic effect. The rate of curcumin degradation under this combined treatment was significantly decreased to 49.72 ± 5.00 nmol/h/µg for A549 cells and 47.53 ± 4.78 nmol/h/µg for NCI-H292 cells, respectively, as compared to curcumin alone. Taken together, this study confirmed the potent synergistic effect of TM and BP on lung cancer cell lines. Further research is required to identify their specific synergetic mechanisms. Our findings provide crucial foundational data on the synergistic effects of TM and BP.

Efficacy of GV1001 with gemcitabine/capecitabine in previously untreated patients with advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma having high serum eotaxin levels (KG4/2015): an open-label, randomised, Phase 3 trial.

BACKGROUND: The TeloVac study indicated GV1001 did not improve the survival of advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, the cytokine examinations suggested that high serum eotaxin levels may predict responses to GV1001. This Phase III trial assessed the efficacy of GV1001 with gemcitabine/capecitabine for eotaxin-high patients with untreated advanced PDAC. METHODS: Patients recruited from 16 hospitals received gemcitabine (1000 mg/m2, D 1, 8, and 15)/capecitabine (830 mg/m2 BID for 21 days) per month either with (GV1001 group) or without (control group) GV1001 (0.56 mg; D 1, 3, and 5, once on week 2-4, 6, then monthly thereafter) at random in a 1:1 ratio. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS) and secondary end points included time to progression (TTP), objective response rate, and safety. RESULTS: Total 148 patients were randomly assigned to the GV1001 (n = 75) and control groups (n = 73). The GV1001 group showed improved median OS (11.3 vs. 7.5 months, P = 0.021) and TTP (7.3 vs. 4.5 months, P = 0.021) compared to the control group. Grade >3 adverse events were reported in 77.3% and 73.1% in the GV1001 and control groups (P = 0.562), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: GV1001 plus gemcitabine/capecitabine improved OS and TTP compared to gemcitabine/capecitabine alone in eotaxin-high patients with advanced PDAC. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02854072.

Tailored hydration with lactated Ringer's solution for post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis prevention: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: Aggressive hydration using lactated Ringer's solution (LRS) prevents post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP). Concerns of this strategy are large volume and lengthy hydration. Our study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of tailored aggressive hydration (TAH) for PEP prevention. METHODS: In this prospective, multicenter, double-blinded, randomized trial conducted across three tertiary Korean hospitals, patients who underwent ERCP for the first-time were randomly assigned (1:1) to tailored standard hydration (TSH) and TAH groups. The TSH group received 1.5 mL/kg/h LRS during and after ERCP, whereas the TAH group was administered a 20 mL/kg bolus post-ERCP and 3 mL/kg/h during and after the procedure. Both groups were assessed for elevated serum amylase levels and pain 4-6 h after ERCP. If both were absent, hydration was discontinued. If either was present, hydration was continued at the original rate until 8 h. The primary endpoint was PEP development and was analyzed on an intention-to-treat analysis. RESULTS: A total of 344 patients were randomly assigned to treatment groups (171 to the TSH group and 172 to the TAH group). PEP was observed in 9.4% (16/171) in the TSH group and 3.5% (6/172) in the TAH group (relative risk 0.37, 95% confidence interval 0.15-0.93, p = 0.03). No difference was identified between the two groups in terms of PEP severity (p = 0.80) and complications related to volume overload (p = 0.32). CONCLUSIONS: TAH according to the presence of abdominal pain or elevated serum amylase levels at 4-6 h after ERCP is safe and prevents PEP development.

Risk of urolithiasis associated with allopurinol versus benzbromarone among patients with gout: a population-based cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the risk of urolithiasis in gout patients initiating allopurinol, a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, vs benzbromarone, a uricosuric. METHODS: Using the 2011-2020 Korea National Health Insurance Service database, we conducted a cohort study on gout patients initiating allopurinol vs benzbromarone as the 1st-line urate-lowering treatment (ULT). The primary outcome was a new onset urinary stone. The secondary outcome was a stone requiring intervention. We estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using Cox proportional hazard models with a 5:1 ratio propensity-score matching on > 80 variables. Subgroup analyses were done by age, sex, thiazide use, and cardiovascular (CV) risk. RESULTS: 61 300 allopurinol initiators PS-matched on 12 260 benzbromarone initiators were included (mean age 59 years, 79% male). During a mean follow-up of 322 days, 619 urolithiasis cases occurred with an incidence rate of 0.87 per 100 person-years in allopurinol and 1.39 in benzbromarone initiators, showing a HR of 0.64 (95% CI, 0.51-0.80). ∼44% of urinary stones required intervention with a HR of 0.61 (95% CI 0.43-0.88). The lower risk associated with allopurinol compared with benzbromarone persisted across subgroups but was greater in the high than non-high CV risk subgroup (p for interaction = 0.02). CONCLUSION: This population-based cohort study found that allopurinol compared with benzbromarone was associated with a substantially lower risk of urolithiasis particularly in the presence of the high CV risk. This finding provides important safety information for clinicians' decision-making on ULTs of different mechanisms of action.

Effect of smoking on the diagnostic results and complication rates of percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of smoking with the outcomes of percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (PTNB). METHODS: In total, 4668 PTNBs for pulmonary lesions were retrospectively identified. The associations of smoking status (never, former, current smokers) and smoking intensity (≤ 20, 21-40, > 40 pack-years) with diagnostic results (malignancy, non-diagnostic pathologies, and false-negative results in non-diagnostic pathologies) and complications (pneumothorax and hemoptysis) were assessed using multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Among the 4668 PTNBs (median age of the patients, 66 years [interquartile range, 58-74]; 2715 men), malignancies, non-diagnostic pathologies, and specific benign pathologies were identified in 3054 (65.4%), 1282 (27.5%), and 332 PTNBs (7.1%), respectively. False-negative results for malignancy occurred in 20.5% (236/1153) of non-diagnostic pathologies with decidable reference standards. Current smoking was associated with malignancy (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.31; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-1.69; p = 0.03) and false-negative results (OR, 2.64; 95% CI: 1.32-5.28; p = 0.006), while heavy smoking (> 40 pack-years) was associated with non-diagnostic pathologies (OR, 1.69; 95% CI: 1.19-2.40; p = 0.003) and false-negative results (OR, 2.12; 95% CI: 1.17-3.92; p = 0.02). Pneumothorax and hemoptysis occurred in 21.8% (1018/4668) and 10.6% (495/4668) of PTNBs, respectively. Heavy smoking was associated with pneumothorax (OR, 1.33; 95% CI: 1.01-1.74; p = 0.04), while heavy smoking (OR, 0.64; 95% CI: 0.40-0.99; p = 0.048) and current smoking (OR, 0.64; 95% CI: 0.42-0.96; p = 0.04) were inversely associated with hemoptysis. CONCLUSION: Smoking history was associated with the outcomes of PTNBs. Current and heavy smoking increased false-negative results and changed the complication rates of PTNBs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Smoking status and intensity were independently associated with the outcomes of PTNBs. Non-diagnostic pathologies should be interpreted cautiously in current or heavy smokers. A patient's smoking history should be ascertained before PTNB to predict and manage complications. KEY POINTS: • Smoking status and intensity might independently contribute to the diagnostic results and complications of PTNBs. • Current and heavy smoking (> 40 pack-years) were independently associated with the outcomes of PTNBs. • Operators need to recognize the association between smoking history and the outcomes of PTNBs.

Deep learning-based prognostication in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis using chest radiographs.

OBJECTIVES: To develop and validate a deep learning-based prognostic model in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) using chest radiographs. METHODS: To develop a deep learning-based prognostic model using chest radiographs (DLPM), the patients diagnosed with IPF during 2011-2021 were retrospectively collected and were divided into training (n = 1007), validation (n = 117), and internal test (n = 187) datasets. Up to 10 consecutive radiographs were included for each patient. For external testing, three cohorts from independent institutions were collected (n = 152, 141, and 207). The discrimination performance of DLPM was evaluated using areas under the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curves (TD-AUCs) for 3-year survival and compared with that of forced vital capacity (FVC). Multivariable Cox regression was performed to investigate whether the DLPM was an independent prognostic factor from FVC. We devised a modified gender-age-physiology (GAP) index (GAP-CR), by replacing DLCO with DLPM. RESULTS: DLPM showed similar-to-higher performance at predicting 3-year survival than FVC in three external test cohorts (TD-AUC: 0.83 [95% CI: 0.76-0.90] vs. 0.68 [0.59-0.77], p < 0.001; 0.76 [0.68-0.85] vs. 0.70 [0.60-0.80], p = 0.21; 0.79 [0.72-0.86] vs. 0.76 [0.69-0.83], p = 0.41). DLPM worked as an independent prognostic factor from FVC in all three cohorts (ps < 0.001). The GAP-CR index showed a higher 3-year TD-AUC than the original GAP index in two of the three external test cohorts (TD-AUC: 0.85 [0.80-0.91] vs. 0.79 [0.72-0.86], p = 0.02; 0.72 [0.64-0.80] vs. 0.69 [0.61-0.78], p = 0.56; 0.76 [0.69-0.83] vs. 0.68 [0.60-0.76], p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: A deep learning model successfully predicted survival in patients with IPF from chest radiographs, comparable to and independent of FVC. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Deep learning-based prognostication from chest radiographs offers comparable-to-higher prognostic performance than forced vital capacity. KEY POINTS: • A deep learning-based prognostic model for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis was developed using 6063 radiographs. • The prognostic performance of the model was comparable-to-higher than forced vital capacity, and was independent from FVC in all three external test cohorts. • A modified gender-age-physiology index replacing diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide with the deep learning model showed higher performance than the original index in two external test cohorts.

Artificial Intelligence for Assessment of Endotracheal Tube Position on Chest Radiographs: Validation in Patients From Two Institutions.

BACKGROUND. Timely and accurate interpretation of chest radiographs obtained to evaluate endotracheal tube (ETT) position is important for facilitating prompt adjustment if needed. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the performance of a deep learning (DL)-based artificial intelligence (AI) system for detecting ETT presence and position on chest radiographs in three patient samples from two different institutions. METHODS. This retrospective study included 539 chest radiographs obtained immediately after ETT insertion from January 1 to March 31, 2020, in 505 patients (293 men, 212 women; mean age, 63 years) from institution A (sample A); 637 chest radiographs obtained from January 1 to January 3, 2020, in 302 patients (157 men, 145 women; mean age, 66 years) in the ICU (with or without an ETT) from institution A (sample B); and 546 chest radiographs obtained from January 1 to January 20, 2020, in 83 patients (54 men, 29 women; mean age, 70 years) in the ICU (with or without an ETT) from institution B (sample C). A commercial DL-based AI system was used to identify ETT presence and measure ETT tip-to-carina distance (TCD). The reference standard for proper ETT position was TCD between greater than 3 cm and less than 7 cm, determined by human readers. Critical ETT position was separately defined as ETT tip below the carina or TCD of 1 cm or less. ROC analysis was performed. RESULTS. AI had sensitivity and specificity for identification of ETT presence of 100.0% and 98.7% (sample B) and 99.2% and 94.5% (sample C). AI had sensitivity and specificity for identification of improper ETT position of 72.5% and 92.0% (sample A), 78.9% and 100.0% (sample B), and 83.7% and 99.1% (sample C). At a threshold y-axis TCD of 2 cm or less, AI had sensitivity and specificity for critical ETT position of 100.0% and 96.7% (sample A), 100.0% and 100.0% (sample B), and 100.0% and 99.2% (sample C). CONCLUSION. AI identified improperly positioned ETTs on chest radiographs obtained after ETT insertion as well as on chest radiographs obtained of patients in the ICU at two institutions. CLINICAL IMPACT. Automated AI identification of improper ETT position on chest radiographs may allow earlier repositioning and thereby reduce complications.

Usual Interstitial Pneumonia: Associations With Complications After Percutaneous Transthoracic Needle Lung Biopsy.

BACKGROUND. Changes in lung parenchyma elasticity in usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) may increase the risk for complications after percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (PTNB) of the lung. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article was to investigate the association of UIP findings on CT with complications after PTNB, including pneumothorax, pneumothorax requiring chest tube insertion, and hemoptysis. METHODS. This retrospective single-center study included 4187 patients (mean age, 63.8 ± 11.9 [SD] years; 2513 men, 1674 women) who underwent PTNB between January 2010 and December 2015. Patients were categorized into a UIP group and non-UIP group by review of preprocedural CT. In the UIP group, procedural CT images were reviewed to assess for traversal of UIP findings by needle. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify associations between the UIP group and needle traversal with postbiopsy complications, controlling for a range of patient, lesion, and procedural characteristics. RESULTS. The UIP and non-UIP groups included 148 and 4039 patients, respectively; in the UIP group, traversal of UIP findings by needle was observed in 53 patients and not observed in 95 patients. The UIP group, in comparison with the non-UIP group, had a higher frequency of pneumothorax (35.1% vs 17.9%, p < .001) and pneumothorax requiring chest tube placement (6.1% vs 1.5%, p = .001) and lower frequency of hemoptysis (2.0% vs 6.1%, p = .03). In multivariable analyses, the UIP group with traversal of UIP findings by needle, relative to the non-UIP group, showed independent associations with pneumothorax (OR, 5.25; 95% CI, 2.94-9.37; p < .001) and pneumothorax requiring chest tube placement (OR, 9.55; 95% CI, 3.74-24.38; p < .001). The UIP group without traversal of UIP findings by needle, relative to the non-UIP group, was not independently associated with pneumothorax (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.71-1.97; p = .51) or pneumothorax requiring chest tube placement (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.25-4.72; p = .92). The UIP group, with or without traversal of UIP findings by needle, was not independently associated with hemoptysis. No patient experienced air embolism or procedure-related death. CONCLUSION. Needle traversal of UIP findings is a risk factor for pneumothorax and pneumothorax requiring chest tube placement after PTNB. CLINICAL IMPACT. When performing PTNB in patients with UIP, radiologists should plan a needle trajectory that does not traverse UIP findings, when possible.

Early motor skill acquisition in healthy older adults: brain correlates of the learning process.

Motor skill learning is a crucial process at all ages. However, healthy aging is often accompanied by a reduction in motor learning capabilities. This study characterized the brain dynamics of healthy older adults during motor skill acquisition and identified brain regions associated with changes in different components of performance. Forty-three subjects participated in a functional magnetic resonance imaging study during which they learned a sequential grip force modulation task. We evaluated the continuous changes in brain activation during practice as well as the continuous performance-related changes in brain activation. Practice of the motor skill was accompanied by increased activation in secondary motor and associative areas. In contrast, visual and frontal areas were less recruited as task execution progressed. Subjects showed significant improvements on the motor skill. While faster execution relied on parietal areas and was inversely associated with frontal activation, accuracy was related to activation in primary and secondary motor areas. Better performance was achieved by the contribution of parietal regions responsible for efficient visuomotor processing and cortical motor regions involved in the correct action selection. The results add to the understanding of online motor learning in healthy older adults, showing complementary roles of specific networks for implementing changes in precision and speed.

Prevalence and clinical implications of sarcopenia in breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The impact of sarcopenia in oncology is increasingly recognized, yet little is known about its clinical implications in breast cancer. This systematic review and meta-analysis estimates the overall prevalence of sarcopenia in breast cancer, quantifies skeletal muscle index (SMI), and comprehensively evaluates sarcopenia's impact on clinical outcomes. METHODS: We systematically searched primary original research published before June 2023 in four databases: the Cochrane Library via Wiley, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, Embase via Elsevier Excerpta Medica, and Medline via Ovid. Standardized mean SMI and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated by applying the random-effects model. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the National Institutes of Health quality assessment checklist. RESULTS: The systematic review included 17 studies with a total of 9863 patients; the meta-analysis included 12 of these studies. The mean prevalence of sarcopenia in breast cancer (stages I-III) was 32.5%. The mean SMI assessed by CT was 43.94 cm2/m2 (95% CI 42.87, 45.01; p < .01). Overall, low muscle mass was associated with chemotherapy toxicities, dose reductions, dose delays, or treatment discontinuation. Low muscle mass was generally associated with poor survival, but in some studies, this association was not significant or reversed direction. CONCLUSION: Sarcopenia is not just a state of muscle mass loss, but an influencing factor on therapeutic effects and survival rates in oncology. It is thus necessary to recognize the risk of sarcopenia throughout the trajectory of cancer treatment, identify low muscle mass early, and manage it from a prehabilitation perspective.

All-solid-state Z-scheme ZnFe-LDH/rGO/g-C3N5 heterojunction for enhanced sonophotocatalytic degradation of ciprofloxacin: Performance and mechanistic insights.

The fabrication of all-solid-state Z-scheme sonophotocatalysts is vital for improving the transfer rate of photogenerated electrons to remove antibiotics present in wastewater. Herein, a novel indirect Z-scheme ZnFe-layered double hydroxide (LDH)/reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N5) heterojunction was synthesized using a simple strategy. The ZnFe-LDH/rGO/g-C3N5 (ZF@rGCN) ternary composites were systematically characterized using different techniques. Results revealed that the 15%ZF@rGCN catalyst achieved a ciprofloxacin (CIP) degradation efficiency of 95% via the synergistic effect of sonocatalysis and photocatalysis. The improved sonophotocatalytic performance of the ZF@rGCN heterojunction was attributed to an increase in the number of active sites, a Z-scheme charge-transfer channel in ZF@rGCN, and an extended visible light response range. The introduction of rGO further enhanced the charge-transfer rate and preserved the reductive and oxidative sites of the ZF@rGCN system, thereby affording additional reactive species to participate in CIP removal. In addition, owing to its unique properties, rGO possibly increased the absorption of incident light and served as an electronic bridge in the as-formed ZF@rGCN catalyst. Finally, the possible CIP degradation pathways and the sonophotocatalytic Z-scheme charge-migration route of ZF@rGCN were proposed. This study presents a new approach for fabricating highly efficient Z-scheme sonophotocatalysts for environmental remediation.

A network analysis of pain intensity and pain-related measures of physical, emotional, and social functioning in US military service members with chronic pain.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to apply network analysis methodology to better understand the relationships between pain-related measures among people with chronic pain. METHODS: We analyzed data from a cross-sectional sample of 4614 active duty service members with chronic pain referred to 1 military interdisciplinary pain management center between 2014 and 2021. Using a combination of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System measures and other pain-related measures, we applied the "EBICglasso" algorithm to create regularized partial correlation networks that would identify the most influential measures. RESULTS: Pain interference, depression, and anxiety had the highest strength in these networks. Pain catastrophizing played an important role in the association between pain and other pain-related health measures. Bootstrap analyses showed that the networks were very stable and the edge weights accurately estimated in 2 analyses (with and without pain catastrophizing). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings offer new insights into the relationships between symptoms using network analysis. Important findings highlight the strength of association between pain interference, depression and anxiety, which suggests that if pain is to be treated depression and anxiety must also be addressed. What was of specific importance was the role that pain catastrophizing had in the relationship between pain and other symptoms suggesting that pain catastrophizing is a key symptom on which to focus for treatment of chronic pain.

Scoping Review: Anesthesiologist Involvement in Alternative Payment Models, Value Measurement, and Nonclinical Capabilities for Success in the United States of America.

The US healthcare sector is undergoing significant payment reforms, leading to the emergence of Alternative Payment Models (APMs) aimed at improving clinical outcomes and patient experiences while reducing costs. This scoping review provides an overview of the involvement of anesthesiologists in APMs as found in published literature. It specifically aims to categorize and understand the breadth and depth of their participation, revolving around 3 main axes or "Aims": (1) shaping APMs through design and implementation, (2) gauging the value and quality of care provided by anesthesiologists within these models, and (3) enhancing nonclinical abilities of anesthesiologists for promoting more value in care. To map out the existing literature, a comprehensive search of relevant electronic databases was conducted, yielding a total of 2173 articles, of which 24 met the inclusion criteria, comprising 21 prospective or retrospective cohort studies, 2 surveys, and 1 case-control cohort study. Eleven publications (45%) discussed value-based, bundled, or episode-based payments, whereas the rest discussed non-payment-based models, such as Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (7 articles, 29%), Perioperative Surgical Home (4 articles, 17%), or other models (3 articles, 13%).The review identified key themes related to each aim. The most prominent themes for aim 1 included protocol standardization (16 articles, 67%), design and implementation leadership (8 articles, 33%), multidisciplinary collaboration (7 articles, 29%), and role expansion (5 articles, 21%). For aim 2, the common themes were Process-Based & Patient-Centric Metrics (1 article, 4%), Shared Accountability (3 articles, 13%), and Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing (TDABC) (3 articles, 13%). Furthermore, we identified a wide range of quality metrics, spanning 8 domains that were used in these studies to evaluate anesthesiologists' performance. For aim 3, the main extracted themes included Education on Healthcare Transformation and Policies (3 articles, 13%), Exploring Collaborative Leadership Skills (5 articles, 21%), and Embracing Advanced Analytics and Data Transparency (4 articles, 17%).Findings revealed the pivotal role of anesthesiologists in the design, implementation, and refinement of these emerging delivery and payment models. Our results highlight that while payment models are shifting toward value, patient-centered metrics have yet to be widely accepted for use in measuring quality and affecting payment for anesthesiologists. Gaps remain in understanding how anesthesiologists assess their direct impact and strategies for enhancing the sustainability of anesthesia practices. This review underscores the need for future research contributing to the successful adaptation of clinical practices in this new era of healthcare delivery.

Rice NLR protein XinN1, induced by a pattern recognition receptor XA21, confers enhanced resistance to bacterial blight.

KEY MESSAGE: Rice CC-type NLR XinN1, specifically induced by a PRR XA21, activates defense pathways against Xoo. Plants have evolved two layers of immune systems regulated by two different types of immune receptors, cell surface located pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and intracellular nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat-containing receptors (NLRs). Plant PRRs recognize conserved molecular patterns from diverse pathogens, resulting in pattern-triggered immunity (PTI), whereas NLRs are activated by effectors secreted by pathogens into plant cells, inducing effector-triggered immunity (ETI). Rice PRR, XA21, recognizes a tyrosine-sulfated RaxX peptide (required for activation of XA21-mediated immunity X) as a molecular pattern secreted by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo). Here, we identified a rice NLR gene, XinN1, that is specifically induced during the XA21-mediated immune response against Xoo. Transgenic rice plants overexpressing XinN1 displayed increased resistance to infection by Xoo with reduced lesion length and bacterial growth. Overexpression of autoactive mutant of XinN1 (XinN1D543V) also displayed increased resistance to Xoo, accompanied with severe growth retardation and cell death. In rice protoplast system, overexpression of XinN1 or XinN1D543V significantly elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cytosolic-free calcium (Ca2+) accumulations. In addition, XinN1 overexpression additionally elevated the ROS burst caused by the interaction between XA21 and RaxX-sY and induced the transcription of PTI signaling components, including somatic embryogenesis receptor kinases (OsSERKs) and receptor-like cytoplasmic kinases (OsRLCKs). Our results suggest that XinN1 induced by the PRR XA21 activates defense pathways and provides enhanced resistance to Xoo in rice.

CONTRIBUTION FACTORS OF EFFECTIVE LENS POSITION, TILT, AND DECENTRATION DURING FLANGED SCLERAL FIXATION OF INTRAOCULAR LENS: A Model Eye Study.

PURPOSE: The authors aimed to elucidate the factors related to effective lens position, tilt, and decentration of scleral fixed intraocular lenses (IOLs) with a flanged haptic technique in an artificial eye model using anterior segment optical coherence tomography. METHODS: Two bent 27-gauge needles were passed through a 1.0- or 2.0-mm scleral tunnel, 2.0 mm posterior to the limbus and 180° apart. Both haptics of a three-piece IOL were docked with guide needles and externalized. Factors related to the IOL position were analyzed using anterior segment optical coherence tomography and a stereomicroscope. RESULTS: The 1.0-mm scleral tunnel induced a significantly longer effective lens position than the 2.0-mm tunnel and suture fixation ( P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). Discrepancy in scleral tunnel length induced higher decentration of the optic to the opposite side of the haptic-embedded shorter tunnel and tilt perpendicular to the fixed axis than that in the scleral tunnel of the same length ( P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively). If the scleral fixation points of both haptics are not exactly 180° apart, the IOL may become decentered and tilted ( P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSION: In the flanged haptic technique, the length, balance, and position of both scleral tunnels determine IOL effective lens position, tilt, and decentration.

Activated Leukocyte Cell Adhesion Molecule Regulates the Expression of Interleukin-33 in RSV Induced Airway Inflammation by Regulating MAPK Signaling Pathways.

PURPOSE: The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that causes acute lower respiratory tract infectious diseases, particularly in young children and older individuals. Activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM) is a membrane glycoprotein expressed in various cell types, including epithelial cells, and is associated with inflammatory responses and various cancers. However, the precise role of ALCAM in RSV-induced airway inflammation remains unclear, and our study aimed to explore this gap in the literature. METHODS: C57BL/6 wild-type, ALCAM knockout mice and airway epithelial cells were infected with RSV and the expression of ALCAM and inflammatory cytokines were measured. We also conducted further experiments using Anti-ALCAM antibody and recombinant ALCAM in airway epithelial cells. RESULTS: The expression levels of ALCAM and inflammatory cytokines increased in both RSV-infected mice and airway epithelial cells. Interestingly, IL-33 expression was significantly reduced in ALCAM-knockdown cells compared to control cells following RSV infection. Anti-ALCAM antibody treatment also reduced IL-33 expression following RSV infection. Furthermore, the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38, and JNK was diminished in ALCAM-knockdown cells compared to control cells following RSV infection. Notably, in the control cells, inhibition of these pathways significantly decreased the expression of IL-33. In vivo study also confirmed a reduction in inflammation induced by RSV infection in ALCAM deficient mice compared to wild-type mice. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate that ALCAM contributes to RSV-induced airway inflammation at least partly by influencing IL-33 expression through mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways. These results suggest that targeting ALCAM could be a potential therapeutic strategy for alleviating IL-33-associated lung diseases.

Exploring the characteristics and health outcomes of working from home: Analysis of 2021 California Health Interview Survey data.

BACKGROUND: Working from home (WFH) may affect health behaviors and mental health. The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic saw many US employees transition to WFH, which has persisted in various job sectors and significantly impacted employees. However, its effects on health outcomes have remained unclear. We aimed to explore the characteristics and health outcomes of, and health-related differences between, WFH and not-WFH groups. METHODS: Using the 2021 California Health Interview Survey data, we analyzed health behaviors (smoking, alcohol consumption, and fruit-related nutrition) and the mental health status of 12,438 individuals using descriptive statistics, Pearson's χ2 test, and regressions. RESULTS: A total of 39% were WFH and 61% were not-WFH. Overall, the WFH group had worse health behaviors and mental health than the not-WFH group. Age was associated with smoking in both groups (WFH: b = 0.37; not-WFH: b = 0.35), but with fruit-related nutrition only in the WFH group. Household income and occupation were associated with alcohol consumption in both groups. Age (WFH: b = -1.58; not-WFH: b = -1.39), household income (WFH: b = -0.75; not-WFH: b = -0.34), and job duration (WFH: b = -0.34; not-WFH: b = -0.40) were associated with mental health in both groups; those who were younger and had lower household incomes and job durations had worse mental health. CONCLUSION: Health management is a clear necessity for the WFH group. Irrespective of WFH status, young workers with shorter than 5 years' job duration reported mental distress, highlighting a need for distress assessment and management for the young workforce.